A-list couples all smiles on trip to White House

03 December 2012 04:00 PM

HOLLYWOOD'S A-list couples were out in force as chat show host David Letterman and Led Zeppelin were honoured for their influence on American culture.

Stars from New York, Hollywood and the world of music joined President Barack Obama at the White House to salute the comedian, the band, and their fellow recipients: actor Dustin Hoffman, Chicago bluesman Buddy Guy and ballerina Natalia Makarova.

Mr Obama elicited laughs from his guests when he described the award winners as "some extraordinary people".

The president thanked the members of Led Zeppelin for behaving themselves at the White House given their history of "hotel rooms trashed and mayhem all around".